NAP stands for Name, Address and Phone number - the three core pieces of information that identify your business online.
Google uses your NAP data to verify that your business is legitimate and to understand where you are located. When Google sees your business name, address and phone number listed consistently across dozens of trusted directories, it builds confidence that the information is accurate - and that confidence feeds directly into local search rankings.
NAP consistency means your business details are identical everywhere they appear online. Even small variations - a different phone format, an abbreviated street name, an old postcode - can confuse Google and undermine your local rankings.
Common inconsistencies include: using St vs Street or Rd vs Road, writing and vs & in your business name, including or omitting your postcode, different phone number formats, old addresses that have not been updated, and abbreviating your business name.
Citations are one of the top local ranking factors. The more consistent, accurate citations you have on trusted UK directories, the stronger your local presence. Google cross-references these citations to verify your business details and assess how established you are in your area.
CitationHQ submits your business to 55+ UK directories using a single, normalised set of details - ensuring perfect NAP consistency from day one.
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